Spain’s King Juan Carlos signs abdication law

Former Spanish King Juan Carlos congratules Spain''s Prince Felipe VI (R) during the ceremony of approval and enactment of a law bringing into effect King Juan Carlo''s abdication in the Columns Hall at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Spain’s Juan Carlos lived today his last day as monarch. The 76-year-old has signed the act of abdication in a ceremony at Madrid’s Royal Palace. At midnight - once the abdication becomes effective -, his son Felipe will officially take over the throne.

Over 5,000 police were deployed to secure the abdication ceremony, that took place before 150 guests, as well as the celebrations for the new king's take over. All eyes are on 46-year-old Felipe, who will be proclaimed king tomorrow to the Lower House of Parliament, in a ceremony accompanied by his wife, Queen Consort Letizia.

The streets of Madrid were set with flags and around 16,000 flowers to celebrate the start of Felipe’s reign. After the ceremony at Parliament, and a much-expected speech, the new monarchs will be driven through the capital in a Rolls Royce to the Royal Palace, where a banquet for 2,000 guests will be held.

In a context of political and economic crisis, celebration arrangements are expected to be relatively sober. There will be no gala coronation while no foreign delegations have been invited to the historic event.